DHARAMSHALA, August 26: The Central Council Tibetan Medicine (CCTM) on Thursday organized the handing over of council duties of the organization to the members of the fifth executive committee at Nyatri hall in Gangchen Kyishong.

Choekyong Wangchuk, Minister (Kalon) for Health attended the function as the chief guest along with Atruk Tsetan, member of Tibetan Parliament in Exile and Tsering Tashi, Director of Men-Tsee-Khang as special guests.

“We the administration have considered this organization as an important part. We also see the official recognition of Sowa-Rigpa in 2007 and legalization under The Indian Medicine Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2009 as immensely helpful step for the preservation of our ancient tradition Sowa-Rigpa,” said Kalon Choekyong Wangchuk.

Since the organization has already submitted their syllabus to IMCC. He proposed few suggestions such as working towards degree recognition process under the Government of India, like Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine and Surgery, for the betterment of Sowa-Rigpa’s future and its preservation.

He also said that the organization has a big role in bridging Sowa-Rigpa with the existing Indian organizations like AYUSH and IMCC.

During the handover function, Dr. Lobsang Tenzin and Dr. Sonam Dolkar Oshoe were elected as the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson respectively with seven other executive members.

“The association has a big responsibility to help preserve and spread the unique Sowa-Ripga tradition of Tibet, which has benefited many Tibetans over the centuries, all over the world,” said MP Atruk Tsetan as he compared its similar fundamentals with Buddhist philosophy, which aims to terminate the cause from the core.

The organization also bestowed the Yuthok Award to late Truro Tsenam Rinpoche for his relentless work in promoting and enriching the Tibetan medicinal tradition throughout the world.